A book about the joy of having a child with profound disabilities

The subject of disabilities can be a no-go area for many, something to pity, a state so sad and desperate, largely misunderstood and feared. Rarely do people focus on the joy and happiness that those with disabilities can bring. But Rebecca Elliott has hit the nail on the head with a beautifully written piece in The Independant about her five-year-old daughter Clemmie who has severe mental and physical disabilities.

Instead of focusing on the difficulties disabilities can bring, she “absolutely loves being the parent of a disabled child. Since having Clemmie I’ve been let in on a little-known secret: profoundly disabled people are awesome.”

A sentiment that I couldn’t agree with more if I tried! My late brother Andrew was the embodiment of this idea, his sunny disposition overshadowed any of the difficulties he faced. There was something incredibly special and infectious about his uplifting spirit.

This is a largely alien concept to many, where the focus in life is so heavily pinned on achieving and actions. But as Rebecca states “profoundly disabled [people] can change your life and whole world view not through achievement, not by doing, but just by being. From the perspective of her Clemmie proves to me that you don’t have to do anything, to achieve anything, indeed to walk, or talk or dance or sing in order to be utterly perfect, enchanting and loved.”

People need to accept disabilities instead of separating them and placing them into a dissatisfied box. “We enjoy Clemmie for who she is, rather than mourn the loss of who she might have been, and I can honestly say we wouldn’t have her any other way. She is perfect. She’s our fabulous, funny, curly-haired little girl who does nothing and is perfect just because of her uniqueness”

With this message in mind, Rebecca has created a children’s book staring Clemmie named Just Because. Written from the perspective of Clemmie’s little brother Toby, Rebecca hopes that “by writing an entirely positive picture book which will perhaps have some effect on opening up the secret, wonderful world of the profoundly disabled to a bigger audience, I also wanted to nurture that unprejudiced acceptance present in all children.”

Beautiful story! I wish more families could just love and accept their disabled special needs children. My thought is it all begins from the time these children are born, I have heard
Many stories of the Medical Doctors, neurologist and nurses encouraging parents to place these precious childern in nursing homes. My thought is whatever one one does for a “normal” child should also be done for a special needs child. Does a normal child need love, a hug, a toy, a family? YES, so What makes us think a special needs child doesn’t need theses things? They need them and more.

I agree Bonita. I think in this world we need to focus on changing people’s attitudes towards disabilities, so people are not pigeon holed into categories which mean they are often forgotten. At the end of the day, it’s down to individuals and how they help, cope with, encourage and love someone with a disability, just as they would someone without.

I couldn’t agree more. I love my son more than life itself. I do as much as I can to ensure he is living his best life. Unfortunately, he has behavior problems that make life difficult from time to time. I hope they pass as he gets older so we continue to enjoy life together.

I just started a social network for families of children with disabilities. So we can all connect and support each other.